2018 Oktoberfest Releases

Yes, I had it last year for the first time. My bottle was marked 6.7% ABV, so you're right about it being stronger. I went back to check my review and, lo and behold, we're on the same page about that one resembling a Maibock as well.
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/141/247712/?ba=Jacobier10#review

Haha, I remembered I had the conversation last year with someone but I couldn't remember who it was so I found the old thread. It was the first time I had the HB Oktoberfestbier since they switched to brown bottles so I finally got an un-skunked taste of it (every time I bought a green bottle before then they were lightstruck). That beer stood out because the heaviness of the malt was unique to me among the other German import Oktos.

 

Had a bottle of von Trapp Oktoberfest yesterday, which just arrived in Lancaster, PA. First time having it. Quite good. Haven't done a full review yet but I was favorably impressed.

 

Nope, I've had it in bottles plenty of times, including last year's which was brown bottles. I actually recall not liking the last year or two's installments, but previous year's it's been a favorite.

This year's is one of the best, if not the best, in recent memory.

Great minds and all that...

I've noticed this with a few different Smuttynose beers. In which the website says one ABV, and then the marking on the bottle says another. Consistency issue? (Wouldn't surprise me given it's Smuttynose)

 

Common guys talking about Snuttynose..RIP. I will contribute something constructive tomorrow to this thread when I am back at a computer.

 

Anyone get some Sam Octoberfest yet? If so, how is it? Thinking of picking some up since SN's Oktoberfest may not arrive until next week . . .

 

My season has already started off with a bang. I stumbled upon the SN/Weihenstephaner collab at Total Wine the other day, so couldn't resist grabbing a sixer. Needless to say, I am loving it, and posted more detailed notes on the beer's release thread.

The only other ones I've even seen so far are Samuel Adams and Yuengling .

 

That Paulaner is good stuff, you can always give the mug to a friend or something. Also I agree that it would be nice see some more imports. Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr and Lowenbrau would be nice.

 

Based on the other beers I have tried of theirs I would be excited too. I think they might be better than Jacks Abby

 

Yesterday I picked up 10 bottles (all they had left) of the SN Collab Oktoberfest, a few Paulaner bottles and singles of the Great Lakes, Weihenstephaner, High Wire and Revolution… So far at least. Basically grabbed all they had in the style. Prospecting them all right now and then will buy more of whichever is tasting best to me this year. Will be digging into them all this evening with a few friends after work, can’t wait! So far, only have had the Hofbrau and Thirsty Dog (blah!).

 

You guys don't get Hacker-Pschorr?

 

They're definitely better than Jack's Abby, in my opinion. At least they are more in line with Continental examples, whereas I find Jack's Abby much more American (though still very good).

 

Yuengling Oktoberfest showed up on the shelves today (I know because it wasn't there yesterday) leaving me puzzled why the Golden Pilsner hasn't arrived yet.

 

The Oktoberfest is probably better. I thought the Lager blew the Pilsner out of the water.

 

As I read more my expectation grows less.

 

I only saw it one time at Angotti Beverage Corporation in Batavia NY.

 

SN's collab is in NYC and NJ. Picked up a six pack last Friday for a party and we eviscerated it in no time. I love this year's as it is most certainly sweeter and maltier than previous renditions but still beautifully executed. Picked up a six pack at Whole Foods in NJ for $7-8 and also picked up a sixer of Von Trapp's Oktoberfest, which I'm looking forward to. From this thread, I'll need to give that Paulaner a shot if I find it. I always pick up Ayinger bottles each year too. Will have to see what else I can find in NYC/NJ with the expanded distro over NM.

On another note, anyone know of any great Oktoberfest celebrations in the tristate area?

I have made it my goal to do Munich Oktoberfest in 2019 so this year I'll settle for a good local. @JackHorzempa @TongoRad something tells me y'all might have some insights here.

 

Zum Schneider has a couple of events. There's the big week long festival in tents on the east side, but my eye is on the 'warm up' at the restaurant on Sunday, Sept 23rd, with live music and an Oktoberfest menu.

 

Beautiful. I am going to look into this. Thank you!

 

Seen two bought two. Weihenstephaner and the Hofbrauhaus gonna be another week or two before SN shows up..might take a trip to Delaware for that, they will have it a week sooner and $10 a case cheaper might just pick up 5 cases.